Thursday, October 27, 2011

The Critical Socialization Periods of a Pet Dog

Niki Tudge October 2011 Copyright

A few days ago one of our DogSmith Dog Trainers, Susan Barton, brought a new puppy into their home. I just love puppies of all shapes and sizes and feel very strongly about guiding owners in the right direction for their puppies socialization. Seeing Lucy reminded me that soon many of you will be out looking for your holiday puppies so i felt it was the right time to post a blog on the critical socialization periods of dogs. Susan congratulations on Lucy i am sure she is headed for great things and will become another great ambassador of The DogSmith Dog Training Programs.

The Critical Socialization Periods of a Pet Dog

There are key stages within a dog’s development where they are particularly sensitive to environmental influences. Scot & Fuller, (1965) and Serpell & Jagoe (1995) have described that conditioning of behavior during these sensitive periods is not easily changed in later years. Whereas genetics set the range for physical or behavioral traits the dog’s experiences during these important periods will determine where within that range the dog behavioral tendencies lie. Scott and Fuller (‘O’Heare p 47) concluded that “dogs should be introduced gradually and sensitively to the circumstances that they are likely to experience during their lives.” Socialization during the key sensitive periods is critical as dogs are biologically prepared to learn different things during different phases of their development. An emphasis and focus on socialization should be made around the 6 – 8 week mark as this is considered the peak of the socialization period.

During the prenatal period, studies have shown that environmental influences, such as stress, can affect the behavior of the fetus. If the mother is reactive, emotional or stressed then this may produce similar traits in her offspring.

During the neonatal period (birth to 2 weeks) puppies are slowly learning even though their ears and eyes remain closed. They are very sensitive to touch and smell and careful and reoccurring handling has been shown to be a valuable practice and can produce confident and exploratory behavior even though these learned associations may not carry over to adulthood (O’Heare 2010).

The transitional period (2-3 weeks) prepares dogs for the socialization period. Puppies begin to move, stand and walk during this period and many new behavior patterns emerge such as communication behaviors and simple associations (O’Heare p 46 2010).

During the socialization period (2.5-3 to 9-13 weeks) dogs form attachments to people, places and locations. During the first period of this socialization period puppies will begin to approach strangers and be tolerant of passive handling. This leads on to a period between 8 to 10 weeks where a ‘fear’ period begins. During this ‘fear’ period if a puppy is exposed to aversive stimulation it can have long term effects on a dogs behavior. This is the period where most new puppies are adopted or purchased making the timing of this homing event important. Puppies need time to settle into their new homes before they hit the ‘fear’ period at around 10 weeks of age. Placement prior to 6 weeks of age can also be detrimental to puppies’ behavioral wellbeing as it has been shown that they suffer from distress, lack of appetite and are susceptible to disease (‘O’Heare 2010).

The juvenile period (12 weeks to 6 months) sees puppies become less tolerant to change. There motor capacities emerge and they have an increased learning capacity. Social relationships with other dogs become more stable and at around 6 months of age they reach sexual maturity.



So for all you new puppy owners out there, be aware of the social development periods of your new puppy. If you are still looking and searching for your new puppy think carefully about where your puppy comes from, the early days are also critical on its long term development. Enroll your puppy into a well run puppy class free of aversives and punishment. Choose a force free trainer who can help you shape your puppies future behavior and they will get you quickly on the road to owning a happy and mentally healthy puppy.

O’Heare J. Domestic Dog Behavior 103 (2010)


To find out more about your local DogSmith, go to www.dogsmith.com/rwilliams

or call 561-271-3033

Monday, October 3, 2011

The DogSmith® is Giving it Away for FREE!

The DogSmith of Palm Beach County announces its newest free puppy socialization class to be held at Hobe Sound Dog Beach.
Palm Beach FL – Animal experts agree, properly socializing your puppy during the critical developmental stage (for puppies that takes place between 3 and 12 weeks) provides the foundation on which all future training is based. Not only is this period critical to a puppy’s development but poorly socialized dogs may show behaviors of fear, aggression, or other problems. A good puppy program can head off these potential issues.

Though socializing a new puppy requires commitment it can be a lot of fun for both the owner and the dog if done properly and incorporated into a daily routine. To make the process easier, The DogSmith of Palm Beach County offers a regular series of puppy socialization classes that are free to the public and now available at Hobe Sound Dog Beach. According to Rachel Williams, owner of The DogSmith of Palm Beach County, “We are very excited to be able to offer our popular puppy classes at Hobe Sound Dog Beach. These classes are taught by Susan Barton, our local certified dog trainer. Puppies love her and she loves the puppies and her classes are a lot of fun so everyone should bring cameras to capture the comic shenanigans.”

The DogSmith even provides a handy guide to puppy socialization which can be downloaded for free from their website. Williams said, “Our mission is to help minimize the number of stray and unwanted dogs and we believe the best way to do this, in addition to the work we do with rescue groups and shelters, is by helping families get off on the right paw, showing them how easy, fun and effective training their puppy can be.”

The Puppy socialization classes focus on teaching owners of puppies from 8 to 24 weeks, the essentials of housetraining, crate training, bite inhibition and responsible dog ownership. The course will also include information for owners on canine communication so they can identify indications of stress in their puppy and socially rude behaviors. “The three most important factors of any socialization program is exposure, exposure, exposure. Puppies need to be exposed to as many different people, places, noises, smells and environments as possible in a safe and controlled manner and the best way to socialize your puppy is to enroll in a puppy class” said Williams. Each attendee will receive a copy of the DogSmith Socialization booklet and handouts on how to crate and house train puppies.

According to Williams, “Since Dogs learn self control, restraint and bite inhibition through play, a puppy that can play well is a puppy that can learn.” To enroll your puppy in a free class simply visit www.DogSmith.com and find your local DogSmith Professional Dog Trainer using your zip code.

About The DogSmith - The DogSmith Franchise Services Inc. is a Florida based company whose mission is to enhance the lives of pets and their owners by improving their relationship, and the quality of the life they share, through providing professional support and training to pet dog owners, supporting and assisting animal shelters and rescue organizations to minimize the number of unwanted animals and offering affordable and professional care to family pets so that pet ownership is never a burden. To learn more about The DogSmith or to become a DogSmith Dog Trainer, visit www.DogSmithFranchise.com or call 1-888-364-7648.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Life's Abundance, Welcome to Jupiter, FL

I am very excited about Life’s Abundance moving their headquarters to Jupiter and I want to welcome them to the neighborhood. I have been using, recommending and supplying Life’s Abundance to my clients for years because I truly believe in this food and the positive benefits to a pet’s health and appearance is amazing and almost immediate in most cases.
With the DogSmith, we have always recommended Life’s Abundance Pet Food for our discerning, health conscious clients. Since I am also headquartered in Jupiter, it just becomes that much easier to supply my clients with the health and wellness benefits of a holistic, premium quality pet food and I can save them some money by offering it for wholesale price.
Life's Abundance Premium Health Food is veterinarian-formulated with select ingredients to help pet dogs and cats achieve and maintain optimum health. They use a “fast-cook” process to help preserve the nutritional value of each and every wholesome ingredient, maintaining strict inventory controls to ensure the quality and safety of their foods. The President of Life’s Abundance, Lester Thornhill, said, “All-natural pet products may have seemed like an unnecessary perk for puppy when our company began 13 years ago, but over time, consumers have discovered the benefits of healthy eating, both for themselves and their pets. When people find a pet product that provides a benefit, that's the last place they're going to look to save money." I have found that to be the case as well. People consider pets part of the family and will cut back on other expenses before they switch their pet's food to a different brand.

For more information on ordering Life's Abundance all natural, holistic pet food Contact your local representative, Rachel Williams, The DogSmith, Palm Beach & Martin County at 561-271-3033 or on the web at www.dogsmith.com/rwilliams

Monday, May 23, 2011

Be Sure Your Pets are Prepared for Hurricane Season
Another Hurricane Season is upon us and The DogSmith Dog Training and Pet Care Company wants to help you prepare to care for your furry family members if disaster strikes.

Jupiter fl, May 22, 2011 – Animal experts agree, preparing to take care of your pet during a hurricane, tornado or any other natural disaster takes just a little planning and isn’t much more complicated than preparing your pet for a family car vacation. According to Rachel Williams, owner of The DogSmith, Palm Beach&Martin; County, and a Certified Animal Behavior Counselor, “Your pet’s emergency kit will contain almost the same things you would include for your pet when it travels with the family but you may want to keep essentials in a waterproof bag or plastic container.”

The Humane Society advises that you always make sure you have enough food and any medicine needed for your pet for about a week. Be sure to include your pet’s needs when calculating how much water you will take with you; you don’t want to be caught short on food and water if stores are closed, especially if your pet is on a special diet.

“Also, in your kit, include an extra leash, collars or harnesses (preferably a collar with your phone number) and keep copies of ID chip registration or tattoos, recent photographs, vet records (including rabies certificate), any license you may be required to have and your vet’s phone number,” said Williams. Favorite toys and treats, blankets, beds, waste bags, food and water bowls will make sure your best friend can enjoy a ‘home away from home’ while on the road. Williams said, “You will also want an accident cleanup kit containing plenty of paper towels and an organic odor/stain remover. Even the most reliable pet can have accidents in unfamiliar surroundings when stressed.”

Williams emphasizes that the best thing you can do for your pet, at home or on the road and long before a disaster strikes, is to make sure your pet is properly crate trained. “Crate-training your pet pays big dividends. No matter where you go or what you do, your pet’s crate is its mobile home where it can feel safe and secure. A dog or cat that feels happy and safe in its own crate will find any new environment easier to cope with,” said Williams. The DogSmith, Palm Beach&Martin County offers a free guide to crate training at www.DogSmith.com.

The American Automobile Association also recommends that pets should master car travel and being with strangers long before a disaster strikes. Any type of emergency or evacuation can be filled with new and unusual activities. The more comfortable and confident your pet is will help it cope with new sights, sounds and smells. Williams recommends, “If your pet is not comfortable traveling by car you can help it by taking it on local car trips of increasing duration. Here again a crate secured inside your car is a valuable tool to keep your pet safe.” A variety of specialty seat belt attachments and harnesses designed for car travel are also available at most pet stores. Visit www.AAA.com for a list of pet-friendly motels and more information on traveling by car with your pet. You can also get a free guide to socializing your pet at www.DogSmith.com.

As a rule, never leave your pet home alone if you need to evacuate. Plan ahead and know if you will be going to friends, family or investigate the availability of pet-friendly hotels/motels. Identify and establish a relationship with pet sitters and pet hotels/motels/kennels that are outside your evacuation zone. Remember if you are evacuating to an emergency shelter most do not allow pets. With a little planning, you will ensure all of your family members stay safe during times of natural disasters.

About The DogSmith, Palm Beach & Martin County, call Rachel Williams CDT, for more information or email rwilliams@dogsmith.com or on the web www.dogsmith.com/rwilliams

Be Sure Your Pets are Prepared for Hurricane Season

Another Hurricane Season is upon us and The DogSmith Dog Training and Pet Care Company wants to help you prepare to care for your furry family members if disaster strikes.

Jupiter fl, May 22, 2011 – Animal experts agree, preparing to take care of your pet during a hurricane, tornado or any other natural disaster takes just a little planning and isn’t much more complicated than preparing your pet for a family car vacation. According to Rachel Williams, owner of The DogSmith, Palm Beach & Martin County, and a Certified Animal Behavior Counselor, “Your pet’s emergency kit will contain almost the same things you would include for your pet when it travels with the family but you may want to keep essentials in a waterproof bag or plastic container.”

The Humane Society advises that you always make sure you have enough food and any medicine needed for your pet for about a week. Be sure to include your pet’s needs when calculating how much water you will take with you; you don’t want to be caught short on food and water if stores are closed, especially if your pet is on a special diet.

“Also, in your kit, include an extra leash, collars or harnesses (preferably a collar with your phone number) and keep copies of ID chip registration or tattoos, recent photographs, vet records (including rabies certificate), any license you may be required to have and your vet’s phone number,” said Williams. Favorite toys and treats, blankets, beds, waste bags, food and water bowls will make sure your best friend can enjoy a ‘home away from home’ while on the road. Williams said, “You will also want an accident cleanup kit containing plenty of paper towels and an organic odor/stain remover. Even the most reliable pet can have accidents in unfamiliar surroundings when stressed.”

Williams emphasizes that the best thing you can do for your pet, at home or on the road and long before a disaster strikes, is to make sure your pet is properly crate trained. “Crate-training your pet pays big dividends. No matter where you go or what you do, your pet’s crate is its mobile home where it can feel safe and secure. A dog or cat that feels happy and safe in its own crate will find any new environment easier to cope with,” said Williams. The DogSmith, Palm Beach & Martin County offers a free guide to crate training at www.DogSmith.com.

The American Automobile Association also recommends that pets should master car travel and being with strangers long before a disaster strikes. Any type of emergency or evacuation can be filled with new and unusual activities. The more comfortable and confident your pet is will help it cope with new sights, sounds and smells. Williams recommends, “If your pet is not comfortable traveling by car you can help it by taking it on local car trips of increasing duration. Here again a crate secured inside your car is a valuable tool to keep your pet safe.” A variety of specialty seat belt attachments and harnesses designed for car travel are also available at most pet stores. Visit www.AAA.com for a list of pet-friendly motels and more information on traveling by car with your pet. You can also get a free guide to socializing your pet at www.DogSmith.com.

As a rule, never leave your pet home alone if you need to evacuate. Plan ahead and know if you will be going to friends, family or investigate the availability of pet-friendly hotels/motels. Identify and establish a relationship with pet sitters and pet hotels/motels/kennels that are outside your evacuation zone. Remember if you are evacuating to an emergency shelter most do not allow pets. With a little planning, you will ensure all of your family members stay safe during times of natural disasters.

About The DogSmith, Palm Beach & Martin County, call Rachel Williams CDT, for more information or email rwilliams@dogsmith.com or on the web www.dogsmith.com/rwilliams

To learn more about the DogSmith or become a DogSmith Dog Trainer, visit www.DogSmithfranchise.com or call 1-888-364-7648.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

The DogSmith

The DogSmith is a national Dog Training, Pet Sitting, Dog Walking and Pet Nutrition Franchise,The DogSmith,which covers Jupiter,fl,Juno Beach, Jupiter Island, Jupiter Inlet Beach Colony, Singer Island, Palm Beach Island, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Shores, North Palm Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Riviera Beach, Lake Worth, Lake Park, Wellington, Loxahatchee Groves, Hobe Sound, Stuart, Tequesta, and all of Palm Beach County. I am a Certified Dog Trainer and Behavior Analyst. I offer private and group lessons, "Board and Train" packages and "Latch Key" training, which is training your dog while you are at work or on Vacation. Training curriculum's, and group classes, are available for puppies, teen dogs, grumpy dogs and older dogs. Private Behavior change programs are also available for dogs requiring behavioral modification. I offer a selection of day care and dog walking services, lunch and dinner time daily breaks, dog park romps and pet shuttle services. Service plans are customized to meet the needs of each client.
www.dogsmith.com